And stuff
The Devil Inside
Chapter 16
?I fail to see the point of this activity.? Sousuke frowned. He was standing amongst the crowded International Street of downtown Naha. Bright neon signs proclaiming shops, bars and clubs lined the street on both sides. Currently a festival-parade was taking place. Brightly clothed figures danced thru the street trailing streamers. Others carried banners and played on drums and flutes. The Mithril sergeant found it very disconcerting.
?Oh come on Sousuke.? Kyouko laughed at his side. ?It?s a festival. It?s supposed to be fun!? It was the last night of their trip. Tomorrow they would fly back to Tokyo and the teachers thought this Flower Festival would be a good learning experience for the students. This particular festival was different in that it started at dusk and went on well into the night. Kyouko did not mind as she took photo after photo. The costumes and dancers were amazing.
?Yeah, Sousuke. You do know what fun is right?? Kaname teased from beside Kyouko.
?I know what fun is.? Sousuke protested.
A dozen feet away Crispin scoffed. ?If your definition of fun is marking time? Then sure Sagara?s the king of fun!? He thought nastily. He glowered at the sights all around him. He did not like this festival. He did not like being here. It was waste of time.
?This is so stupid!? Crispin cursed after nearly tripping. He had his book bag slung over his shoulder as he moved thru the crowds. He had hoped to find a quiet spot and work on his laptop, but Nakumura-Sensei insisted he come along. So here he was, slugging around his bag while everyone else was unimpeded. He paused as he saw Kaname talking to one of her friends.
?Isn?t this great?? Maya asked as she came up beside Kaname.
?It sure is!? Kaname agreed. ?Nothing like the festivals back home. They sure know how to throw a party around here.? She laughed.
?That?s for sure.? Maya laughed in agreement. ?Listen Kaname don?t you want to do something fun before we have to leave??
?What are you talking about?? Kaname eyed the long-haired girl.
?See that club over there.? Maya pointed to a building down the block whose neon sign identified it as ?The Dragonfly?. ?Some of us were thinking of going there. What do you say?? Maya asked almost desperately.
?I don?t know.? Kaname was taken aback. ?Why are you asking me??
?Come on Kaname.? Maya pleaded. ?Kawakawa-Sensei said we could have half-an hour. But only if you agreed.?
?Me?? Kaname squeaked in surprise. She turned to look at her home-room teacher who was watching the festival about six people down. ?Are you sure about this?? Kaname asked suspicious.
?Yes!? Maya exclaimed. ?Ask her yourself if you don?t believe me!? She glared at the blue-haired girl hurt by the mistrust.
?Okay, I?m sorry!? Kaname held her hands up in surrender. ?I was just surprised that?s all.? It was actually touching the teacher had that much confidence and trust in her.
?No problem.? Maya smiled. ?We need a group of at least six, and Mayuko is chickening out.?
?Oh, so that?s why you wanted me to agree!? Kaname joked in mock outrage.
?Yup, my secret?s out!?
?Hey, Kyouko.? Kaname turned to her best friend who was enraptured by the festival performers. The blue-haired girl smiled when she noticed Kyouko was still using the camera Crispin had built.
?What is it?? Kyouko asked her eyes still on the festival.
?Come with us. Maya and I are going to check out that club over there.? Kaname explained as she grabbed the braided-haired girl?s arm.
?Is that a good idea?? Kyouko asked dubiously. ?Won?t we get in trouble??
?No, we won?t.? Kaname tugged on the girl?s arm. ?Have I ever steered you wrong?? At the girl?s head shake she continued, ?We have to go in a group though. So get moving.?
?Okay!? Kyouko had never been to a club before. It would be fun.
?Alright.? Kaname turned toward Maya who had a reluctant looking Mayuko in tow. ?Everything set??
?Yeah, but we need at least two more.? Maya pointed out.
Kaname scanned the area until her gaze fell Sousuke and Shinji Kazama applauding some particularly graceful acrobats. Setting her lips in a determined line she marched over to the two military freaks. ?You two!? She barked in command.
?Ah!? Shinji nearly jumped out of his skin. ?Don?t do that!?
?Is there a problem Ms. Chidori?? Sousuke calmly asked. He was unfazed by the blue-haired girl?s sudden appearance.
?You?re coming with us.? Kaname told the two boys. She gestured to the three girls beside her. ?Got a problem with that.?
?I don?t have a problem.? Sousuke said.
?Ah, where are we going?? Shinji stared at the taller boy and Kaname. When the girls pointed toward ?The Dragonfly? he backed away. ?Oh no! No way! I don?t want to get in trouble.?
?You?re one to talk.? Kaname said frostily. She may have forgiven Sousuke for the little stunt on her balcony, but she had not done the same for Kazama.
?Yes ma?am.? Shinji squeaked. He was deathly afraid of what Kaname might do.
?Good. Let?s go.? Kaname turned on her heel and moved toward ?The Dragonfly?.
?There, there.? Kyouko patted Shinji consolingly. ?Don?t let her get to you.?
?Easy for you to say.? Shinji muttered with hunched shoulders.
The group suddenly came to a halt when Crispin Daniels materialized in front of them.
?Where are you going?? Crispin hissed and grabbed Kaname by the arm.
?Let go of me you jerk!? Kaname pulled herself free. ?That?s none of your business!? She spat at the taller boy.
?It is too!? Crispin?s eyes darkened in anger and he took a step toward Kaname.
Suddenly Sousuke was in front of the AS mechanic. ?Daniels.? He warned. The Mithril sergeant shifted his weight to the balls of his feet. If it was a fight Daniels wanted a fight he would get.
?Sousuke.? Kaname put a hand on his shoulder and spoke gently. ?Don?t. He?s not worth it.? She glared at Crispin. ?Out of the way!?
Crispin and Sousuke were locked in a staring contest. At Kaname?s words Sousuke blinked and Crispin snorted.
?Fine!? Crispin said. ?Like I give a shit!? He stepped aside to let the group pass. His glare never leaving Sousuke until Kyouko passed in front of him. At the twin-braided girl?s reproachful stare he turned away.
?No!? Crispin clutched his head. He felt light headed and couldn?t breathe. ?I?ll tell your teacher!? He threatened the departing teens.
?Go right ahead.? Kaname turned and balled her fist. ?She wouldn?t believe you anyway!? She glared and spat angrily at the American.
?Kaname.? Kyouko said with pleading eyes. ?Don?t.? The blue-haired girl huffed and turned away leading the group toward ?The Dragonfly.?
Crispin watched them go and cursed. ?Shit!?
**
?Wow. This is so cool!? Kyouko starred around in awe at the interior of ?The Dragonfly?. Bright colored neon signs lit the walls and a live band played in front of a dance floor complete with multi-colored lights. There was a bar complete with a bartender. Of course the place was lightly populated because of the festival, and the band playing was hardly the best. It was still impressive to the bespectacled girl.
?It?s fantastic!? Maya gushed. The long-haired girl would never be able to get into such a place back home. ?Maybe we?ll meet some cute guys!?
?Not in twenty minutes you won?t.? Kaname pointed out.
Shinji winced at Maya?s implied insult, but thought it best to keep his mouth shut. At least he could say he had been to a club with four pretty girls.
?That won?t be a problem.? Sousuke declared. ?There are three young looking gentlemen right over there.? He pointed to some foreign looking young men with military crew-cuts. He started walking towards them.
?What are you doing?? Maya grabbed Sousuke by the arm horrified.
?What?re you thinking?? Kaname asked as she latched onto his other one. There was no telling what the boy might do.
?Didn?t you say you hoped to meet some guys.? Sousuke asked with a wrinkled brow. ?I don?t know about the cute part, but those gentleman meet the rest of the criteria provided.? He nodded toward the young men in question. ?I thought it would be best to secure an introduction.?
?No! You can?t!? Maya was mortified.
?You idiot!? Kaname shook Sousuke. ?You don?t just pick some random guy and decide he?s right for a girl!? She was ready to throttle the boy. ?Argh!?
Shinji shook his head and chuckled while Kyouko and Mayuko giggled.
?You don?t?? Sousuke was clearly confused now. ?But Mukai said she wanted to meet-?
?Forget it!? Maya interrupted. ?Let?s just find a seat.? She was embarrassed enough. The long-haired girl now understood a little of Kaname?s frustration with Sousuke.
?Let?s sit at the bar!? Kyouko chirped and dashed forward.
?No, Kyouko!? Kaname tried to stop her friend. ?Never mind.? She followed in her best friend?s wake with the other?s in tow. Actually it wasn?t a bad spot. There was room enough for all of them and they had a good view of the entire club. And while the club was hardly crowded all the seats that could seat all of them were taken.
?I?d like a drink please!? Kyouko told the bartended happily.
?You?re a little young, don?t ya think?? The bartender asked dubiously. He stared at all of the teens suspicious.
?Please, we?re not asking for alcohol.? Kaname rolled her eyes.
?You never asked what I wanted.? Kyouko giggled in agreement.
?Fine, what?ll it be.? The bartended asked. Everyone ordered a soda.
Except Sousuke. ?Water please.?
The bartender sat the requested drinks before the teens.
?Hey! Can I get some service over here?? An irritated voice asked a few people down from the gathered teens.
Kaname and the others? looked at each other in surprise. The voice sounded familiar. As one the six classmates peered around a small knot of people and saw Crispin Daniels handing the bartender his ID. After examining it the bartender nodded and returned it to the American.
?Hey! What is that?? Kaname demanded and walked over to the seat Crispin lounged on. She loomed over the mechanic and pointed at the drink he held in his hand. ?You can?t have that!?
Crispin starred at the blue-haired girl and took a big swig of the beer he had ordered. ?What was that?? He asked with a smile. He noticed Sousuke standing just behind Kaname and smirked. ?Still the playing the lap-dog eh, Sagara??
?Don?t ignore me!? Kaname hissed and slapped the smirking corporal. Hard. ?And I told you not to talk to him like that!?
Crispin turned back to Kaname his smirk still in place. ?So you did.? He took another deep drink and turned away. ?Stop bothering me.?
?You piece of-? Kaname shook with anger and saw red. Her fist balled up and she raised it to strike. She was stopped by a warm hand wrapped around her fist. She turned furiously and was shocked to see Sousuke restraining her fist.
?Chidori.? Sousuke said calmly. ?He?s not worth it.? He smiled slightly at her own words.
?Yeah.? Kaname blushed from the contact and sighed. Her fist relaxed and Sousuke let go. Kaname felt a twinge of regret at the separation but ignored it. She glared at Crispin?s back instead and said loudly. ?You?re right Sousuke. Forget this jerk!? She sniffed and walked back to her classmates.
?Kaname.? Kyouko looked apologetic as the blue-haired girl sat back down. ?I?m sorry-?
?It?s alright Kyouko.? Kaname cut her friend off. ?You didn?t do anything wrong.? She glared back down the bar where Crispin sat.
Kyouko sighed.
?Hey!? Mayuko said to break up the tension. ?What?re you guys so down about anyway? We?re supposed to have fun!?
?Let?s hit the dance floor!? Maya downed her drink and jumped up.
?Yay! Let?s do it.? Kyouko clapped in agreement.
?If you?re looking for a suitable partner.? Sousuke said. ?Those young men over there have been watching you since we entered the establishment.?
?Really!? Maya?s eyes lit up.
?No!? Kaname stomped on Sousuke?s foot and shook her finger at Maya. ?We don?t have time for that!?
?Aww!? The red-head pouted. ?No fair just because you have a guy.?
?I do not have a GUY!? Kaname seethed.
?There, there.? Kyouko patted the blue-haired girl on the shoulder.
Maya and Mayuko exchanged skeptical looks. ?Right.? They drawled as Kaname spluttered in denial.
Sousuke looked back and forth between the girls. ?I don?t understand.? He looked at Shinji for an explanation. The bespectacled boy shrugged.
?Fine.? Kaname huffed. ?It still doesn?t change anything.?
?Yeah, we?re wasting time.? Mayuko pointed out. The rest of the girls nodded.
Sousuke felt a stab of fear when the four girls turned as one to him and Kazama. ?Is there a problem?? He backed away uncertain.
?Sousuke.? Kaname purred. ?You?ll help us right.?
Sousuke swallowed. His soldier?s instincts screamed to run. Instead he nodded. ?Of course.? It was difficult to tell Kaname Chidori no.
?Great! Let?s go!? Kaname grabbed his arm and dragged the sergeant onto the dance floor.
?I don?t dance.? Sousuke pointed out desperately.
?You do now!?
?You too Kazama.? Kyouko hopped up and grabbed the bespectacled boy?s wrist. Maya and Mayuko nodded in agreement.
?What? Me?? Shinji squeaked in terror. His legs felt like jelly and he could not run if he tried. He shook his head vigorously. ?I don?t want to dance.?
?Stop complaining.? Maya cooed from his other side. ?You just might like it.? She winked and laughed as they dragged the poor boy onto the dance floor.
?Help.? Shinji muttered weakly. Somehow the long-haired girl?s words frightened him more.
**
Crispin nearly blew his drink out of his nose when he saw Kaname drag Sagara onto the dance floor. ?HA!? He choked and sputtered when he saw the younger sergeant actually attempt to dance. ?He looks like a headless chicken!?
His mirth vanished when he saw Kyouko laughing and leading Kazama by the wrist. ?That son of a-!? He stopped and blinked when he realized he was out of his seat.
He made an irritated sound in the back of his throat. ?Bah, like I give a shit!? Crispin threw himself back into his seat. He turned back to his beer and blanched at the taste.
It was bitter.
**
On the dance floor the six teens twisted and writhed to the rhythmic beat and lyrics of the band. The lights flashed and danced over the moving bodies to create an atmosphere of mystique. After a few minutes they were all flushed and sweat poured down their faces. After two songs the band had finished their set and announced a break.
?Hey guys.? Mayuko pointed at her watch. ?We need to get going.? Everyone nodded.
?I have to go to the bathroom.? Kyouko panted.
?Me too.? Kaname wiped her damp locks off her forehead. ?That soda went right thru me.?
?Alright. We?ll wait for you by the entrance.? Maya said. Mayuko nodded in agreement. The two girls dragged Shinji with them.
?I should go with you Chidori.? Sousuke said and moved to follow.
?No you won?t!? Kaname cut the boy off. She was tired and felt too happy to yell at him for his presumption. ?Just wait for us at the front with the others. Okay.? She growled the last.
?Very well.? Sousuke reluctantly agreed and turned toward the front entrance.
?Whee! That was fun!? Kyouko all but skipped toward the back where the restrooms where located.
?Yeah, it was.? Kaname agreed. ?Too bad we can?t stay.? She blew her damp bangs out her eyes. ?But we were lucky we could do this at all.?
?Yeah.? Kyouko nodded.
The two girls soon headed back. They giggled at the memory of Sousuke?s gangly movements on the dance floor. Suddenly Kaname bumped into a large man in a suit and whose dark hair was spiky at the bangs.. ?I?m sorry!? Kaname apologized. ?Are you alright??
?No, I?m fine.? The man straightened his jacket and moved past the girls.
Kaname was about to leave when she noticed the man?s wallet on the ground. ?Oh no, he must of dropped this.? She looked at Kyouko. ?I?ll meet up front okay. ?
?Okay.? Kyouko agreed and continued toward the entrance. She pointedly ignored Crispin as her path took her past the boy?s seat.
?Sir! Sir!? Kaname hurriedly caught up to the man as he was about to enter the men?s restroom. She blushed at the thought as he turned toward her. ?You dropped your wallet, Sir.? She held out the leather billfold to the man.
?Thank you. You?re very considerate.? Gauron smiled as he slowly took the wallet from Kaname?s hand.
**
?God, this sucks!? Fitz whined as he leaned against the hood of a dark green Honda CR-V. The Caucasian Marine watched the festival restlessly. They were parked in an ally a block off International Street and the rear of the small SUV was obscured by shadows.
?Easy there.? O?Campo soothed his agitated companion. ?We?re doing exactly what we?re supposed to be doing.?
?Man, come on! This is it?? Fitz went on. ?All the cloak and dagger crap for this? What bullshit!? Fitz crossed his arms in annoyance.
O?Campo chuckled at the younger marine.
?We were told exactly what we?d be doing.? Marlen pointed out. He was sitting in the driver?s seat with the window rolled down. ?No use complaining about it now.?
?It?s just his way, Marlen.? O?Campo said with a grin. ?Little cherry?s just trying to hide his nervousness.? He and the black man laughed.
?I?m not!? Fitz sputtered indigently.
?Heads up ladies!? Gwen called out of the darkened ally. ?Pop the hatch.? The mercenary commanded as he came to the vehicle?s rear.
As previously discussed, Marlen pulled the latch for the back hatch and started the SUV. O?Campo and Fitz kept watch on each side of the Honda. Gwen pulled the hatch open and stood aside.
Gauron came striding out of the darkness. Over his shoulder was a bound and gagged Kaname. The girl thrashed and yelled as best she could, but the mercenary was unfazed.
?Holy Shit!? Fitz gawked. ?A girl!?
?No shit dumb ass!? O?Campo snapped. ?Now zip it!?
Gauron glanced at the young Marine dangerously but said nothing. He walked to the back of the CR-V and dumped the girl unceremoniously inside. He casually slipped inside the open passenger door while Gwen tossed a thick blanket over the bound girl and shut the back hatch.
?It?s a chick! A hot chick!? Fitz stood wide-eyed as everyone climbed into the Honda. Gwen took shotgun. Gauron and O?Campo sat in the passenger seat. Marlen was already behind the wheel.
?Get your hand out of your pants and get inside!? Gwen stuck his head out and glared at the young Marine.
?Right.? Fitz shook his head and climbed into the passenger seat with Gauron and O?Campo.
?Take 17 south.? Gwen told Marlen as Fitz shut the door. ?I?ll tell you when to turn off.?
?Whatever you say.? The black man shrugged, put the vehicle in gear, and drove as directed. Within a minute they turned the corner and completely vanished from sight.
End Chapter 16
The Devil Inside-Glossary of Terms
MCMJ -Mithril Code of Military Justice. Basically the legal code and rules of conduct all Mithril personal are subject to.
CO - Commanding Officer (This is actually used by the US military)
MCF- Mithril Correctional Facility. Most ships and bases have their own brigs or jails, but those are only designed to keep a prisoner for a short period of time. The MCF serves as Mithril?s more permanent jail. It?s used to hold those who are awaiting their hearing or trail, and for those who?ve been sentenced for longer than a month, to a maximum sentence of a year or two.
MDC- Mithril Detention Center - basically prison. This is where Mithril throw's their hard-cases and long terms sentences. It's a great place where you get to spend twelve hours a day making little rocks out of big rocks. Sounds fun doesn't it?
Basically, think of it as Mithril's equivalent to Ft. Lebonworth.
Old Man - just an affectionate way the soldiers of Mithril have of referring to Kalinin. Of course, they'd never address him like that!
LP/OP ?Listing Post and Observation Post.
FARP ?Fuel And Rearming Point. It?s a forward staging area combat-vehicles (such as an Arm-Slave) can use without having to leave the combat zone.
Mikes ?short-hand for minutes.
ETA ?Estimated Time of Arrival
Hawkeye ?Refers to a US radar plane. The Hawkeye usually flies ahead of a US naval task force (among other things) and gathers useful information about the area and reports it back.
AS- Arm Slave. Ya know, those big freaking robots Sousuke and the others pilot.
SRT- Special Response Team. Sousuke, Melissa, and Kurz are member of Mithril?s SRTs. The way I look at it, the Special Response Teams are Mithril?s equivalent of Special Forces. They do many of the same tasks as special forces: Recon. Infiltration. Sabotage. Lightning raids, Hostage rescue, and assorted other tasks.
MOTC ? Mithril?s Officer Training Course. Most military organizations have additional requirements for their officers besides just time in service and demonstrated ability. Most officers under go specific and grueling training and are usually required to have a four year college degree of some kind.
M9- Called the ?Gernsback? it?s the AS used by Mithril. Considered the next generation of AS.
M6- the AS used by the US Military.
RK-92- Soviet era Arm Slave. To quote Sousuke. ?Move you Soviet-made piece of Junk!?
Ninety-six- refers to the ASG 96-B manufactured by Bofors. It?s a 57 mm smooth-bore rifle and part of the M9?s standard armament. It?s the rifle Kurz used in episode five during his duel with Gauron.
NCOIC- Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge. It refers to the highest ranking enlisted person within a unit. In the case of Crispin?s orders it refers to Melissa.
DI ?Drill Instructor. Another way of referring to a Drill Sergeant.
SitRep- Situation Report. Basically a quick run down of what your situation in a field (or combat) environment.
WA2000- very high-quality German sniper rifle. Considered by some to be one of the best in the world. It?s only down side is its weight. (16 lbs) and cost. It?s highly customizable and sleek in design. It seemed appropriate for Kurz to use. Though I think the one he?s actually shown using is a PGS-1(another German rifle). I?m not certain.
Tac-Net- Tactical Network. A radio network set up and used by members of the same unit during tactical (i.e. combat) situations.
HE- High Explosive.
Fifty Cal ? short hand for fifty caliber. Which is the size of a heavy machine gun. A machine gun this large must be mounted on a tripod or vehicle in order to fire it. A fifty caliber round is about six inches long and can tear a man in half, and it can also destroy trucks, light armored vehicles and buildings.
NVGs -- Night Vision Goggles
EOD ? Explosive Ordinance Disposal
FTX ?Field Training Exercise.
Gunny- Short for Gunnery Sergeant. It?s an advanced NCO rank in the United States Marine Corps
Shiwa Statue ?those Lion statues you?ll see in front of temples and important buildings. There supposed to be guardian spirits and they are very prominent in Okinawa.
